Hoodlums on rampage in Lagos markets as Tinubu sues for calm

CITIZENS COMPASS– SOME suspected hoodlums on Monday, were on rampage in some parts of Lagos Island, Lagos State, to enforce closure of markets in the areas.

Affected areas include Alhaji Street, Ladipo and Garage in Ikorodu and Lagos Island.

At Ladipo/Mushin, it was learnt that some hoodlums threatened to burn some shops while traders from a particular extradition were prevented from opening shops.

As gathered, the hoodlums were with dangerous weapons were physically present to intimidate the traders.

It was learnt that the hoodlums were protesting the presidential election results in favour of Peter Obi, the Labour Party Presidential candidate.

With the proactive measures by law enforcement agencies, the hoodlums were prevented from achieving their aims.

A Twitter user, chlorpheniramine#OBidients, tweeted thus, “APC thugs are on the rampage on the streets of Lagos because Peter Obi won Tinubu. In Abibu Oki street off Broadstreet in Mandilas market Lagos island, they are chasing the Igbos, robbing them and destroying properties.”

Responding, spokesperson, Lagos State Police Command, Benjamin Hundeyin tweeted, “This is fake news. The market association agreed that shops would remain closed yesterday and today. Igbo traders this morning decided to renege on the agreement and open shops.

“Some hoodlums took it upon themselves to enforce compliance. The police was alerted.

“The police arrived promptly. The hoodlums fled upon sighting police patrol vans. Not one shop was vandalized. Not one person was robbed. Not one person was injured. Normalcy was swiftly returned and officers remain on ground. ”

An eye witness.who pleaded anonymity said some goods were set ablaze around Mushin where some traders were stranded for hours.

As at 3pm, a team of soldiers was deployed to the area to maintain peace.

It happened around Mushin when I was repairing a car, near Amu area, some hoodlums were seem burning some goods belonging to some traders.

“Few hours later, soldiers were deployed to the area but after the deed has been done. ”

Ladipo Market not on fire- President General

In a related development, it was rumoured that the popular Ladipo Market in Lagos was set ablaze by hoodlums.

However, in a video made available to Citizens Compass, the President-General, Ladipo Market, Jude Chikenwogwo debunked any report claiming that Ladipo Market is on fire.

He seized the opportunity to appreciate people who have been calling to ascertain the situation of the market.

The Market leader said he has called on law enforcement agencies for assistance.

NEMA reacts 

Lagos State Coordinator, National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), Ibrahim Farinloye who reacted to the situation in Lagos markets said, “No Crises or fire Incident in any part of Lagos so far. Pls ignore the circulation of old fire Incident videos being circulated as recent event.
Let’s maintain peace and harmony.”

Tinubu sues for calm

The All Progressives Congress (APC), Presidential Candidate, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, has appealed to the people of Lagos State to be calm and eschew any act that can lead to breakdown of law and order.

Bayo Onanuga, Director, Media & Publicity, APC Presidential Campaign Council, in a statement, on Monday, said, “Tinubu said the outcome of the election in Lagos where Labour Party won the presidential election should not be a source of provocation saying that the beauty of democracy is that people have a right to vote for the candidate of their choice.

The APC candidate further said that as a democrat he is bound to accept the outcome of any election whether favourable or not.

In a statement released Monday by the Presidential Campaign Council signed by Director of Media and Publicity, Mr. Bayo Onanuga, Tinubu expressed serious concern over reports of violence in parts of the state especially reported attacks on some traders of Igbo origin.

The former Lagos State Governor condemned any form of violence against people of any ethnic group in Lagos.

“The fact that the APC narrowly lost Lagos State to another party should not be the reason for violence. As a democrat, you win some, you lose some. We must allow the process to continue unhindered across the country while we maintain peace and decorum,” the statement said.